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Uose wins Morley Prize for Unpublished Writers of Colour
Hanna Thomas Uose has won the Morley Prize for Unpublished Writers of Colour with the draft of her début novel Who Wants to Live Forever.
The announcement was made at an awards ceremony at Morley College in London’s Waterloo Centre for Adult Education on 20th October.
Uose’s novel explores the effects of a new drug that halts ageing and extends the human lifespan. The story examines the effects of the drug on different, intertwined characters from London, Tokyo and San Francisco.
The author is a 38-year-old Japanese British writer based in London and Norwich, who is currently studying for an MA in prose fiction at the University of East Anglia.
She said: “I didn’t expect to win and I am delighted. It is such a boost to my confidence. I have a couple of other book ideas after this one, which I would really like to write, and I’d really like to be a published writer. This is a step in the right direction. The support from Rachel Mills Literary is invaluable and I’d like to thank the judges and Morley College. I’ve entered writing competitions before, but this is the first time I’ve won. It’s so exciting.”
The annual prize, which is presented jointly by the college and Rachel Mills Literary (RML), was founded by RML agent Nelle Andrew, who is committed to breaking boundaries in the publishing industry and helping under-represented writers carve their path, particularly focusing on women and people of colour. The winner will receive mentoring and support from RML.
Andrew said: “The illustrious, wise and supremely talented Toni Morrison once wrote: ‘If you are free then you need to free somebody else. If you have power then it is your job to empower somebody else’.”
There was also a “high commendation” for the non-fiction entry Words I Was Taught by Durre Shahwar.
The panel of judges comprised Andrew, publishing director Marianne Tatepo, novelist Louise Hare, lecturer Billy K Kahora and author Ayisha Malik.
An exhibition of the shortlistees’ work is now open in the Cardew Gallery at the Waterloo Centre for Adult Education.
